Kentucky Doomsday Book

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The original "Domesday Book" was completed in 1086 for William the Conqueror. It identified England's landowners and land locations for tax purposes. Kentucky's "Doomsday Book" is a journal created by land commissioners appointed to hear settlers' claims in the Kentucky District under Virginia Land Law A.

The commissioners heard testimony presented by applicants, their witnesses and/or agents to determine eligibility for certificates of settlement and various preemption warrants. For the convenience of the settlers, the Commission traveled to various sites in Kentucky County, including St. Asaph's (Logan's Fort), Harrodsburg, Falls of the Ohio (Louisville), Boonesborough (Boonesboro) and Bryant's Station (near Lexington). The first land entry in the Doomsday Book was recorded at St. Asaph on October 14, 1779; the last land entry was recorded at Harrodsburg on February 26, 1780.

The Doomsday Book is 469 pages with a 41-page index. There is no searchable database at this time. Commissioners' certificates and links to patents authorized by certificates of settlement and preemption warrants are available on this website.